Angela H. Brown

Publisher

Angela H. Brown has run SLUG (SaltLakeUnderGround) Magazine for nearly a decade, since September of 2000. Since then, she has taken a small black & white zine and turned it into a full-color electrobrite magazine with a strong regional presence. Brown has brought back coverage on Utah's deserving local music scene, Utah's action sports community and continues to give exposure to prominent underground national bands. Along the way, she has pioneered local band compilations Death By Salt (vol.1-4), and has branded numerous successful events: The SLUG GAMES ski and snowboarding series, Summer of Death skateboarding series and Craft Lake City, an alternative art and crafts festival showcasing DIY handmade goods held at the Gallivan Center annually.
Brown also launched and perfected slugmag.com, where readers can read excusive content, view photo galleries of community events, and find links to download back issues or the new SLUG Mag iphone app.
Brown is on the advisory boards of local NPR news affiliate KUER 90.1 FM, the Internet community radio station, Utah Free Media (utahfm.org) and The People's Market, a Sunday artisan and farmer's market. Brown is also vice chair of the Utah Art's Alliance, a nonprofit facilitator for the local arts community.

Brown currently hosts Underground Jukebox, a weekly music feature on community-based radio station KRCL 90.9 FM. Brown performs in the professional bellydancing troupe Blue Lotus Dance Collaborative.

Hometown: Salt Lake City
When and why did you come to Salt Lake?
I come from good Mormon pioneer stock. My Ancestors crossed the plains with handcarts to reach where we are today: the land of Zion.
When did you start reading SLUG?
At the ripe young age of 14.
When and how did you become involved with SLUG?
I was recruited by the second publisher of SLUG to shoot a cover and later, to be the mag's associate editor. Two years later, I was the new publisher and editor. That was 9 years ago and since then, I've been building the mag and cultivating new SLUG events like Localized, The SLUG Games, Summer of Death and Craft Lake City. SLUG has become more than just a magazine; it is a strong, trendsetting brand in SLC.
Favorite SLUG feature?
Localized
Favorite SLUG Story (something that has happened in your life)?
I have so many great SLUG stories but a recent favorite was to witness SLC's former Mayor Rocky Anderson, publicly thank SLUG for our contributions to the city of Salt Lake.
Favorite place to see live music in Salt Lake:
All-ages: Kilby Court or Red Butte in the summertime. 21+: The Depot's sound and lighting systems rock, The State Room is excellent for a shows on a school night (they usually end by 10pm), but I feel at home with loud rock and cheap beer in a dive bar like Burt's Tiki and Urban Lounge. I really miss the warehouse shows in these venues (RIP): Moroccan, Hate House, Loom house and DiverCity.
Favorite restaurant/bar in Salt Lake:
My current top five restaurants: Takashi, Pago, Eva, Meditrina and Red Iguana.
Current obsessions, musical or otherwise:
Nick Cave, Alec Empire, Matcha Tea from Uji, Japan, Photographic Darkrooms and Egyptian Cabaret Bellydancing.
What was the first show you attended?
Tina Turner at The Salt Palace. Jamie Myers and I were in fourth grade. We were supposed to be at the Charles Dickens' Festival next door but went to the show instead because a security guard offered to let us in for free.
What was the first record you bought?
On vinyl: Cindi Lauper- She's so Unusual. On cassette: ABC- How to be a Zillionaire. On CD: This Mortal Coil - It Will End in Tears
What was the best event you ever attended?
Through SLUG, I have had the opportunity to attend so many fabulous events and industry festivals, it is hard to just name one. Here is a shortlist:
All Tomorrow's Parties - England 2006
Touch and Go 25th Anniversary 3 day festival - Chicago, Ill
Coachella, Sundance/Slamdance Film Festivals, CMJ, SXSW
Who would you most like to meet from a SLUG cover?
Mr. Tom Waits SLUG Cover Vol 11 issue #134 February 2000

Jeanette D. Moses

Managing Editor

Jeanette Moses began “paying her dues” at SLUG while still in high school as an office intern. Since then, she has worked her way through the ranks and was promoted as SLUG’s Managing Editor in Feb. 2009. This petite brunette commands attention in any room with her blue eyes, raspy voice and confident presence. When she isn’t bitching about writers abusing semicolons, Moses can be found finishing a BA in Communications at Westminster College, shredding the gnar at Brighton, hanging out with her dog Rosie or living out her life’s philosophy: “work hard, play harder.” Over the years, Moses has packed the pages of SLUG with a journalistic punch¬¬––interviewing punk rock heavyweights like Exene Cervenka, local bands, home brewing crust punks and multiple business owners.

Hometown: Salt Lake City, UT
When and why did you come to Salt Lake?
I didn’t really have much of a choice in the matter. I was 10, my parents were in the process of getting divorced and I got moved into a shitty duplex to South Salt Lake. Our duplex neighbors were dancers and bartenders at American Bush and the neighbors across the way were always trying to borrow our phone, home schooled their kids and when their massive dog died, buried it in their backyard (I think this might be illegal…). Super classy. But then we moved to Sugarhood. Things got better.
When did you start reading SLUG?
Picked up my first issue hanging out at Crossroads Mall when I was 13 or 14.
When and how did you become involved with SLUG?
I applied to be an intern when I was 17 years old. Mike Brown and I traded copies of our zines during the interview (he was randomly in the office during my interview). Since I was under 18, my mom had to send Angela a letter approving my internship and acknowledging that I might be exposed to “adult situations” while in the SLUG HQ. Spent one day a week my senior year of high school working in the office and pretending to be a big deal. Five years later I’m the Managing Editor … according to Bill Frost it was probably the dark hair and tattoos that got me promoted.
Favorite SLUG feature?
The article I wrote on home brewing for our first annual beer issue (which also won an award in Denver. Woohoo!). Mike Brown’s story of attending the ICP show in Magna was also one of my all time favorites. Check out Dave Brewer’s photos from the night in our photo gallery. They are HILARIOUS!
Favorite SLUG Story (something that has happened in your life)?
The after party of SLUG Games Candy Land Jam in 2009. I don’t think words can convey how much fun this night was. Chicken fighting in the kitchen, breakfast sandwich throwing, games of “would you rather” and pancakes made with beer in the morning only scratch the surface of this SLUG story.
Favorite place to see live music in Salt Lake:
Urban Lounge for hip hop and rock & roll, W for electro, house, dubstep and dance music, Burt’s Tiki Lounge for punk and metal.
Favorite restaurant/bar in Salt Lake:
The $3 schooners and happy-hour-priced sushi at O’Shucks every Wednesday night is always fun, tasty and surprisingly inexpensive. I can also be found at Eva on a pretty regular basis.
Current obsessions, musical or otherwise:
The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Gossip, Animal Collective, GZA, The Hood Internet, The Black Keys, X, The Clash, Gary Glitter, Golden Spike Heff, the vegetarian mac & cheese that Eva serves during lunchtime, triple-shot coconut lattes from Nobrow Coffee, desk wizards made by Tommy Dolph, pow days at Brighton … this list could go on and on forever and is really more of a “things that I could not live without.”
What was the first show you attended?
It’s hard to say what was the absolute first. My dad worked in radio when I was young so I feel like I was always getting taken to random shows that he had tickets to from the station.
The first show that I remember really wanting to go to (and feeling like I would die if I didn’t get to see it) was when I was 11. My dad and step mom took me to see Snoop Dog, Dr. Dre, Eminem, Kid Rock, Metallica and Red Hot Chili Peppers. They were all playing together for the opening of EMP in Seattle, Washington. Giant clouds of weed smoke were billowing above the crowd. Needless to say, as we sat in our bleacher seats above the crowd, my stepmom was not exactly pleased at my dad’s idea of a fun family outing. The lyrical content was probably questionable for an 11-year-old girl, too …
The first show that I was ever allowed to go to without parental supervision was some random punk show at either Albee Square or Undergroundz.
What was the first record you bought?
This question is more difficult for me to answer than anything math related. The first piece of vinyl that I purchased (via the internet from some place in England nonetheless) was the Blatz/Filth Shit Split. Next I purchased a record player so I could actually listen to the thing.
What was the best event you ever attended?
August 2009 Localized with Negative Charge and Dubbed. Most fun birthday ever! SLUG Games is consistently awesome as well. Oh and nothing can beat Gay Pride 2009. It rained like hell, Princess Kennedy almost fell off the front of our flatbed David Newkirk had to relinquish my biking privileges and the next day everyone’s memory was a little foggy. We even won a prize for our float!
Who would you most like to meet from a SLUG cover?
The elusive Blue Devil that Sri Whipple created for the Sept 2008 cover. Or Mr. William S. Burroughs. Both completely unrealistic options of people that I could actually meet.
 

Adam Dorobiala

Action Sports Editor

As SLUG Magazine’s first ever Action Sports Editor, Adam Dorobiala is more than man enough for the job. This master of photography, design, skating and general awesomeness has been part of the SLUG family since 2006 and is the main man in charge of the expansion of our action sports content over the past few years. Adam is also a traveler of the world,  recently shredding the streets of San Francisco, Spain, St. George and Mexico.

When and why did you come to Salt Lake?
Shortly after escaping the drudgery of the womb, I made my way via teleportation device to Salt Lake. I came because I knew if there was one place that would live up to my standards, it would be SLC. With its beautiful pure-bred women, strict government oppression and thriving skate scene it was the obvious choice.
When did you start reading SLUG?
I would say I started to visually explore SLUG around adolescence. It taught me all I know today about unprotected sexual exploration.
When and how did you become involved with SLUG?
Summer of 2006, shortly after dropping out of art school in Pittsburgh, I made an acquaintance with “The Possum”. I had a few photos that ran covering one of the Summer of Death competitions randomly and then I just started helping out from there on out.
Favorite SLUG feature?
Ooh that’s a tough one… I am gonna say dear dickheads. Its spectacular to see how riled up people get over what we do here. Some people just don’t understand sarcasm and cynicism.
Favorite SLUG Story (something that has happened in your life)?
Since I was a newbie, I was invited to come hang out with some of the staff at one of their homes to meet them all. For some reason, there was a huge pit in Josh Joye’s backyard and before I knew it they apprehended me. I was knocked out and thrown into the shallow grave. When I awoke to the sound of dirt being shoveled into my untimely tomb, I took out my camera and took a photo of my assailants. I managed to escape bruised and beaten after a scuffle with someone whom, through the non-disclosure agreement, I cannot name specifically. Shortly after the incident I sent the photo to SLUG trying to blackmail them for a raise in my stipend. Unfortunately they ended up liking the photo enough that it ran on the cover of October’s Issue in 2007. Strange how things work out.
Favorite place to see live music in Salt Lake:
Urban. Or wherever Mad Human Disease plays.
Favorite restaurant/bar in Salt Lake:
Johnnies On Second is pretty awesome, cheap drinks, free pool everyday and delicious nachos. Twilite Lounge’s psychedelic bingo night is rad. Its all fun everywhere you go.
Current obsessions, musical or otherwise:
Really bad movies are the best. “Project Kill” is by far the best worst movie ever.
What was the first show you attended?
The Steve Miller Band.
What was the first record you bought?
The Clash – From Here to Eternity Live
What was the best event you ever attended?
No comment. If I told you where/when/who were involved I would be putting my existence in jeopardy. I can tell you these two words however- Cock Fight
Who would you most like to meet from a SLUG cover?
Anyone who wants to meet me.
 

Ricky Vigil

Editorial Assistant

I’m pretty lucky to be working at SLUG--I basically get paid to sit around and be a music dork. I’ve been with the mag since 2006, originally as an intern and lowly monkey with a computer, then was offered a job working in the office with people who are a lot cooler than me but seemed to like me anyway. My accomplishments outside of SLUG include a BA in English from the University of Utah for some reason, a total of 75 words written for Salt Lake’s own City Weekly and a profile of a Chicago DJ I’ve never met or heard of that has garnered just under 20 views on a music website owned by a heartless corporate giant .

Hometown: Kearns, UT (but mostly because it makes me sound tougher than saying I’m from Salt Lake)
When and why did you come to Salt Lake?
I moved downtown in 2005 to be closer to the U, but ended up spending a lot more time playing video games and listening to music in Little Caesar’s-adjacent apartments.
When did you start reading SLUG?
SLUG wasn’t readily available on the west side in my most formative years (K-Mart still refuses to carry free local publications, surprisingly) so I didn’t really start reading SLUG until I moved downtown, usually picking it up from the U and any number of local music venues.
When and how did you become involved with SLUG? Back when SLUG was still running classifieds (a well-meaning but ultimately fruitless practice) in 2006, I called about an intern position. I came in, had several awkward interviews during which my name was forgotten by no less than three people (not including myself) and was welcomed aboard. If I had known I would be spending most of my internship arguing with elderly women about proper scanner use at the University of Utah’s media library, I might not have accepted the position.
Favorite SLUG feature?
The first thing I always read are the CD reviews, which is probably the least interesting and most typical feature SLUG runs every month, but I’ve always been drawn to reviews of all kinds. I guess I just like people telling me what to think about things I know nothing about. I also greatly enjoy our video game reviews, because most of my social interaction occurs with computer generated characters.
Favorite SLUG Story (something that has happened in your life)?
Three of four months after I started writing for SLUG I was offered the chance to interview Tim Barry, who had just released a solo album after his band Avail went on hiatus. I agreed to it, even though I had only listened to his album a few times and had only a passing familiarity with Avail. The show, which was supposed to take place at Kilby Court, was canceled, but Tim still let me interview him. He was super nice and really easy to talk to. After the interview, he pulled his guitar out of his van and he, his sister and his guitarist started playing music for myself and my sister. Eventually about 20 people showed up and they kept playing until everyone left. It was probably the coolest thing I’ve ever seen in my life, even if Tim Barry did pee (with his back facing us) in front of my sister many a time.
Favorite place to see live music in Salt Lake:
All ages: Kilby Court. Even if I feel like a weird old man there, it’s a really awesome venue that always delivers fun shows. 21+: Burt’s Tiki Lounge. It’s dirty, it’s small, the sound isn’t very good and the bar has a limited selection, but it’s the coolest place ever.
Favorite restaurant/bar in Salt Lake:
I’m diggin’ the Acme Burger Co. lately, though Este is probably my favorite place to eat in the city. I don’t go to bars much, but I’ll occasionally be dragged to The Bayou or Piper Down, which are fine establishments.
Current obsessions, musical or otherwise:
Music: The Bronx, Ted Leo & The Pharmacists, Gaza, INVDRS, Titus Andronicus, Fucked Up and Look Mexico, among others. Otherwise: any and all LEGO video games, the Bone comic book series and Batman: The Animated Series.
What was the first show you attended?
I saw Cher with Lou Bega (The “Mambo No. 5” guy) when I was about 11 with my family for some reason. If that doesn’t count (and it shouldn’t) my first show was either a Warped Tour or an Aquabats show at In the Venue.
What was the first record you bought?
If we’re talkin’ vinyl, that would be Rancid’s Radio Radio Radio 7”. The first tape I ever bought was The Beastie Boys’ Hello Nasty and the first CD I ever bought was “Weird Al” Yankovic’s Bad Hair Day followed closely by the Space Jam soundtrack. All fine purchases in my opinion.
What was the best event you ever attended?
I had a lot of fun at SLUG’s 18th birthday party, even though I wasn’t old enough to go the Iceburn/Clear/Stench/Corleones reunion show. Instead, I helped at the all-ages party, where Subrosa and Bombs and Beating Hearts played. I ate some vegan cake that had probably fallen on the floor and had many a dirty finger stuck in it, plus I got to see two awesome local bands and hang out with cool SLUG people.
Who would you most like to meet from a SLUG cover? 
After a brief email encounter with Henry Rollins confirmed my suspicions that he was eloquent, intelligent and a total dick, I’d have to go with Ian Mackaye: the less successful but more musically talented Henry Rollins.
 

Mike Brown

Writer/Sales

When Mike Brown came to SLUG Magazine in 2001, it was a pretty big deal. His self-help column quickly became a favorite feature for many SLUG readers, and his current monthly column, which covers subjects as diverse as Juggalos, the Utah Jazz and the girls bathroom at The Urban Lounge, is almost always guaranteed to stir up a ruckus. Mike is also the frontman for local band of miscreants The Fucktards as well as the mastermind behind Leviathan, a zine about Mike Brown’s favorite subject: Mike Brown.  Despite what you may think, Mike is also a shrewd businessman, which he displays as part of SLUG’s sales team and when organizing his semi-regular event celebrating himself, Mike Brown Fest.
Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah
When and why did you come to Salt Lake?
May 9, 1979 is when I came to Salt Lake. Why? Because I got evicted from my mom's uterus. When did you start reading SLUG?
When I was 16 or 17. There was a naked guy holding a drumstick on the cover of the first SLUG I picked up.
When and how did you become involved with SLUG?
When I was 21 a bunch of my stupid skater friends somehow knew Angela, and she had just bought the Mag. I was always making zines so they were all, "Hey you should write for SLUG!" So I dropped a zine off at the old SLUG office in Sugarhouse and Brian Staker was working. I remember thinking, "This guy is weird!" and he reviewed my zine and I thought it was pretty cool. So I asked Angela if I could write a self help column and she said yes. Then I got fired about a year later for being a dick and me and Angela hated each other for about three years. Then we decided that we didn't hate each other and I started writing for SLUG again and helping out with the skateboard contests and stuff like that.
Favorite SLUG feature?
When I was a kid it was Serial Killer of the Month. Now I would have to say it's anything that Tully Flynn writes in the Skateboard section.
Favorite SLUG Story (something that has happened in your life)?
Too many to pick just one. That's like asking my Mormon parents which Mormon son or daughter they love the most--here are a lot of them.
Favorite Place to see Live Music in Salt Lake:
Urban Lounge, Kilby Court, and, honestly, The Depot has the best sound system in town--it's too bad they never have any good shows anymore.
Favorite Restaurant/Bar in Salt Lake:
Favorite restaurant would be the Shanghai Cafe because they have the best fake sweet and sour chicken in town and the waitresses are always mean to me and, for some reason, I find that kind of honesty endearing. My favorite bar changes quite frequently, given how much time I spend in them. Right now it would have to be Mixed Emotions. They break all the rules with a casual grace and it's the best place to be left alone on a Friday night. And they gave me pizza one time.
Current obsessions, musical or otherwise:
My band, The Fucktards. The Utah Jazz. Jim Beam, my cat Jet Pack. Facebook (unfortunately), writing, my zine the Leviathan, and schedule 1 drugs.
What was the first show you attended?
The first one that counted? That would have to be Total Chaos at the Bar and Grill. I wasn't a gutter punk by any means, but my hearing hasn’t been the same since.
What was the first record you bought?
That’s a good question, because I can't really remember. I started collecting vinyl my senior year of high school. So it was probably some cheesy punk band like The Vandals. Or was it Billy Joel?
What was the best event you ever attended?
Well, the best events I ever attended were Mike Brown Fests 2 and 3. But as to not be biased, my favorite SLUG event ever was the Summer of Death Skateboard contest we did a few years ago when we first did the secret spot series. We had no idea how this contest would go, seeing how we were barging real street spots without permission. Needless to say, it went off and has become a SLUG summer staple ever since.
Who would you most like to meet from a SLUG cover?
Hands down, William S. Bouroughs. I don't even have to think about that one.

JP

Sales/Writer

Hometown:
I’ve lived all over the US, East and West coasts. I don’t really have a hometown. Salt Lake City isn’t too bad, and this is the longest I’ve lived anywhere. The women here are beautiful/plentiful enough that I could see living here indefinitely.
When and why did you come to Salt Lake?
I moved from the Dallas suburbs to Davis County my sophomore year of high school. My parents are big fans of everything “Utah” and they thought it would be a great place for us to go to school. Maybe they didn’t look at the statistics of how shitty Utah schools were.
When did you start reading SLUG?
About 15, or 16, I can’t recall for sure. I know it was during high school and it began my eventual and total corruption.
When and how did you become involved with SLUG?
I happened to be doing a freelance radio bit for NPR/KUER when I met Angela Brown a few years ago for an interview. I mentioned I liked writing, music and SLUG. My “career” in journalism was born.
Favorite SLUG feature?
I enjoy the coverage we do with Localized and our Local CD review section. This is the most important part of the SLUG ideal: promoting local shit.
Favorite SLUG Story (something that has happened in your life)?
I’ve been able to attend Slamdance for the last two years (as of 2010) and I’ve loved it. Our film festival coverage, including Sundance, is some of the best in town. Being able to see films from around the world that aren’t available elsewhere is really exciting. And being able to meet the filmmakers and discuss their work is an extra bonus.
Favorite place to see live music in Salt Lake: It was Bricks.
Favorite restaurant/bar in Salt Lake:
Bar: Anywhere there’s karaoke. Restaurant: Cucina Toscana.
Current obsessions, musical or otherwise:
Charcoal sketches of nude women that I do. You can volunteer for this service whenever you like. No fatties, please.
What was the first show you attended?
I saw The Vandals, Cake and No Doubt at some shitty venue in Forth Worth, TX when I was 13 (or so). It was such a “Texas” venue that there were cattle stalls underneath the arena that we found during our post-show wanderings. Cake, for the record, was booed off the stage by all the punks with liberty spikes and mohawks after the lobbing of several water bottles. Cake and The Vandals? What a shitty pairing. I had a crush on Gwen Stefani at the time, so that definitely made my night.
What was the first record you bought?
Neil Young’s “Decade”
What was the best event you ever attended?
Localized. Our 21st Anniversary party featuring local bands Mammoth and Muscle Hawk. Check out the videos online at www.slugmag.com under the “Videos” tab. I get to interview bands every 2nd or 3rd Friday and really enjoy talking to all the local musicians in town.
Who would you most like to meet from a SLUG cover?
Henry Rollins. He’s an interesting guy and I would enjoy talking to him about his time in Israel. I heard he was also in a rock band, maybe I’ll find out what that was about.

Mike Cundick

Sales

When and why did you come to Salt Lake?
I moved up from Utah Valley in 2004 to be a part of the best thing in Utah... Salt Lake City! It's the only place to live in Utah if you're involved in the music scene, which I am.
When did you start reading SLUG?
I've known about SLUG for a long time but became an avid reader when I moved up.
When and how did you become involved with SLUG?
I have friends that have been "in bed" with SLUG for a long time. When my friend Rebecca who plays in the local band Subrosa told about a sales position being open at SLUG I jumped at the chance considering my long background in sales.
Favorite SLUG feature?
Localized! Its a great opportunity for the many hardworking bands in Salt Lake.
Favorite SLUG Story (something that has happened in your life)?
Well there's been a few issues that have had to do with my band LOOM which of course I'm partial to, but my favorite story was the one about Andy Patterson. He's an incredible engineer that LOOM has worked with several times and he's an awesome person. It was great to see him get some well-deserved attention.
Favorite place to see live music in Salt Lake:
Kilby Court and Urban Lounge!
Favorite restaurant/bar in Salt Lake:
I wish I had the money to eat out more, but my favorite restaurants have been some of the awesome vegan restaurants that are available locally. I haven't made the transition from vegetarian to vegan yet but I prefer a delicious vegan meal to any other kind. Vertical Diner and Evergreen Cafe are two of my favorites in that line of Delicatessen.
Current obsessions, musical or otherwise:
My whole life revolves around playing and listening to music. I've recently been completely obsessed with a group called Themselves who are on Anticon records. Their most recent album Crownsdown is incredible. I love everything that label puts out.
What was the first show you attended?
Way too hard to remember right now for some reason
What was the first record you bought?
I think it was Third Eye Blind. Not a fact I'm way proud of but that album still has a place in my heart as one of my guilty pleasures. Don't judge me!
What was the best event you ever attended?
When my band toured through Austin at the time SXSW was going on. My whole band had a blast. It's an incredible experience and I recommend it to anyone who has the chance to get down there while that awesome festival is going on.
Who would you most like to meet from a SLUG cover?
Ha! Too many awesome people have graced the cover. For simplicity purposes I will just name drop Andy Patterson again. I hope to meet him many times over and over again.

Eric Granato

Distribution Manager

It takes a whole hell of a lot of people to publish SLUG Magazine every month, but the main man in charge of getting the mag from our brains to your hands is SLUG's Distribution Manager Eric Granato. Granato has been a SLUG distro driver since 2007, delivering the magazine to your favorite local businesses in Salt Lake, Sugarhouse and beyond. Eric is also largely responsible for getting the majority of SLUG's back issues onto our website as downloadble PDFs. When he's not adding new businesses to our ever-increasing distribution routes or hassling local shopkeeps for messing with our racks. Eric often can be seen cruising down state in his big black truck or admiring his bitchin' Rat Fink tattoo.

Hometown: Salt Lake City, UT
When and why did you come to Salt Lake?
Well my mom and dad got busy in a pool from what I understand and about eight months later after much baby-bump hiding I showed up in 1984.
When did you start reading SLUG?
I was about 12, everyone thought I was strange.
When and how did you become involved with SLUG?
In December of 2006 I answered a help wanted ad on Myspace thinking it would be a good way to ease myself back into the work force. I kinda have always wanted to work for SLUG in some aspect or another.
Favorite SLUG feature?
Soccer Dad and the People in Your Neighborhood
Favorite SLUG Story (something that has happened in your life)?
It's a toss-up to the cute barely legal chicks flashing me while delivering the mag and the crazy homeless guy that jumped in the back of my car because he wanted a ride two blocks, also while delivering the mag.
Favorite place to see live music in Salt Lake:
Don't have a favorite place to see it. For me it could be in the West Desert in mid-July as long as it's a good band.
Favorite restaurant/bar in Salt Lake:
Este takes the food portion because their portions feed you for days. The Republican is my favorite watering hole. Three words: Table Top Shuffleboard!
Current obsessions, musical or otherwise:
Rebuilding my vinyl collection, women's underwear and making them into slingshots.
What was the first show you attended?
It was some punk band playing in a park out in Draper.
What was the first record you bought?
Green Day's Dookie
What was the best event you ever attended?
That's a hard one because all events are killer in their own right, but I am going to have to say the first time I saw Loom play.
Who would you most like to meet from a SLUG cover?
Kim Nekroman. I want to play his coffin bass.

Jessica Davis

Daily Calendar Coordinator/Office Intern/Writer

I enjoy simplicity. I do what makes me happy by creating things through sculpture, illustration and music. I play music in a solo-project titled S.L.F.M, which includes a distorted ukulele and plenty of moustache paraphernalia. I love watching live music because you can see the difference between someone playing music and a great musician by their face. I read books about spies because they're full of surprises, and sometimes books about war, not so much for the history part but for the ridiculousness of it all. I work for SLUG because they're doing something worth being a part of.

Hometown: Salt Lake City, UT
When and why did you come to Salt Lake?
In the year 1989 a nice lady decided to pop out a baby. I had little choice in the matter.

When did you start reading SLUG?
I was in high school. The first thing that grabbed me was a CD review that bashed a local band I adored. The uncensored opinions kept me reading.

When and how did you become involved with SLUG?
I graduated high school in 2008, quit my job playing with flowers and SLUG had posted something about needing interns. With the excitement of something new and staying busy, I filled out an application.

Favorite SLUG feature?
I think Mike Brown has this one covered. It's generally the first thing I go to read, like an old lady trying to find out what those pesky kids are up to now, and there's a guaranteed laugh somewhere.

Favorite SLUG Story (something that has happened in your life)?
While working the Avenues Street Fair (the first I attended with SLUG) and an older man working at one of the surrounding booths came to investigate what we were "selling." At one point he heard the word art, and after declaring "all artists and those who may be affiliated with them" perverts, he left (with SLUG in hand). 

Favorite place to see live music in Salt Lake:
Houses/garages. Not that the few decent venues aren't doing a nice job, but houses tend to be much more personal and easy going. It's nice to hang out with a band after their set and realize that even though they're talented and quite often very intimidating, they like pizza, and I like pizza. Cool! One house in particular in Provo is The Compound. That Joey fella knows his stuff.
Favorite restaurant/bar in Salt Lake:
I don't eat out much and can't quite peruse the bar scene yet, so top three at this time: Este Pizza, Vertical Diner and Park Cafe. Yum!

Current obsessions, musical or otherwise:
In listening to music: dirty garage rock. In playing music: fast and distorted with a bit of a growl. Otherwise: moustaches, because they remind me of spies, villains and creeps, which are all quite hilarious and sometimes quite sexy ... 

What was the first show you attended?
First local eye opener sounds better: Tolchock Trio.
What was the first record you bought?
I have no idea. I remember getting a mix from my friend in the fourth grade, which included N'Sync and the Spice Girls, who were so cool they inspired many dance routines in sparkling attire. 

What was the best event you ever attended?
I have two for simple reasons: 1. The Sasquatch music festival in 2008, which was my first real adventure. There were so many interesting people, and the view from the Gorge was brilliant.
2. The Sego Arts Festival at the Castle Amphitheater (I think 2007). It rained almost all day, and though soaked and freezing, I couldn't think of anything better. Towards the end of the night everyone was packed under one tent trying not to get rained on while leaving room for the bands. It was great.

Who would you most like to meet from a SLUG cover?
At this time, Tom Waits. There's something about those low grungy vocals.

Esther Merono

Copy Editor/Writer/Office Aid

Born in Spain and raised in Utah, it's likely I have a contradicting personality. I'm working on my bachelor of arts in English Literature with an emphasis in Creative Writing at the University of Utah, set to graduate May '10. If I inherited a billion dollars I would spend the rest of my life writing poems and picking up new hobbies. I don't have any wealthy relatives that I know of, though, so I pay for rent and my extravagant lifestyle by working as a bartender at Brewvies Cinema Pub. I don't own a car so I ride a bike everywhere I go--yes, it's a fixed gear, and no, I don't eventually want to move to San Francisco. New York would be pretty awesome though. I like live music of all kinds, reading sci-fi and fantasy novels, going to the movies, writing short poems with punchlines, eating, sleeping, and thinking about traveling. Nerdy and awkward are two words that describe me well. Working for SLUG is definitely the coolest thing I do.

Hometown: Cartagena, Spain
When and why did you come to Salt Lake?
It all began when my parents converted to The Church. Wanting a better life (read: temple marriage) for their children, they decided to join the saints in Zion when I was three. Somehow we ended up closer to Zions National Park instead, in Cedar City, UT. I returned to the 801, barely escaping a permanent hick accent, when I was offered a fat scholarship at the University of Utah. I've been resisting RMs ever since.
When did you start reading SLUG?
I started coming up to Salt Lake for shows when I was about 16 and deemed responsible by the 'rents. My friends and I would go eat at The Pie afterward and I'd pick up a copy of SLUG there every time, dreaming of one day writing for something other than the Cedar High Post.
When and how did you become involved with SLUG?
In all seriousness, I really had fantasized about working for SLUG when I was a teen, but I was a little intimidated. Who wouldn't be? Have you met the awesome people that work here? Anyway, after working for the Utah Chronicle for a year at the U, I felt I had a little more experience than my high school newspaper to keep my confidence up. I saw they were looking for copy editors about a year ago and I guess my spelling skills and musical tastes were up to par, 'cause here I am!
Favorite SLUG feature?
This is a tough one 'cause it changes with the issue. Sometimes I enjoy the feature stories, sometimes it's the reviews or Mike Brown. Usually it's whatever has the least problems for me to fix or whatever is the most fun for me to write.
Favorite SLUG Story (something that has happened in your life)?
When I got to interview Thrice's Dustin Kensrue over the phone. Unfortunately he's kind of a mumbler and the reception wasn't very good so my only cue to move on to the next question was when he'd stop talking 'cause I couldn't understand a word. When I listened to the recording, I found out I had cut him off a few times mid-sentence thinking he was done when he had just paused. I guess that's a combination of my favorite and most embarrassing SLUG story.
Favorite place to see live music in Salt Lake:
Call me a sellout, but I genuinely love going to In The Venue. It's big, but has an intimate feel, the sound and lights have always been awesome, and it's generally where my favorite band, Thrice, always plays.
Favorite restaurant/bar in Salt Lake:
Vertical Diner and pizza night at Sage's. If I could afford it, I'd eat at those places every single day of my life and I swear I wouldn't get sick of it.
Current obsessions, musical or otherwise:
I'm really into eating oranges right now. I also sometimes find myself staring at my bike 'cause it looks so good with its new handlebars. I'm also obsessed with going to the movies and "shuffle" mode on my ipod.
What was the first show you attended?
Recover at the Electric Theater in St. George. Saosin was headlining, but they never showed up.
What was the first record you bought?
I wish I could go back in time and have a cool friend that introduced me to punk rock, or make my parents listen to something besides The Carpenters and Mozart, but alas, I can't so my answer is embarrassingly lame: the Titanic soundtrack.
What was the best event you ever attended?
Salt City Sprints, but I think this just might be because it's the first and only time I've ever won an athletic event ... if you call racing stationary bikes athletic.
Who would you most like to meet from a SLUG cover?
Oh man, what I'd do to meet Nick Carter.

Jemie Sprankle

Office Intern/Writer

I was born and raised in upstate New York. Grew up snowboarding in the winters and skateboarding in the summers until I made the switch to BMX. Fell in love with hip hop and music in general early on. I got my real start from singing along with my Nana to Elvis, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. From music I got into everything urban. I threw up my first tag in \'99 in my Nana\'s basement, 10 years later I painted a building that she passed on her way to work. Now I write for SLUG, collect sneakers and spend most of my free time surfing the internet and watching shows about prison life.

Hometown: Blinghamton, NY.

When and why did you come to Salt Lake?
I came to Salt Lake in September of 2009 after seeing a show about some gnarly dude with face tats who escaped prison and got caught at an Arby\'s for getting recognized.
When did you start reading SLUG?
When I first came to visit out here a couple years ago I started checking it out, mostly online.

 When and how did you become involved with SLUG?
A couple weeks after I got out here I applied online in the fall of 2009.

 Favorite SLUG feature?
\"My Saturday with the Mormons\" by Mike Brown, From back in 2008.

 Favorite SLUG Story (something that has happened in your life)?
My Favorite SLUG story is when I got to see the snake in the office go all sorts of alpha male on a rat and eat it. Made me glad not to be a rat.

 Favorite place to see live music in Salt Lake:
Urban Lounge. I like seeing people breakdance in between sets.

 Favorite restaurant/bar in Salt Lake:
Tony Caputo\'s. Hands down.

Current obsessions, musical or otherwise:
Musically Lucero, Warren Zevon and Ol\' Dirty Bastard. Otherwise, sneakers, talkin\' shit, Maestro Knows, Iloveprison.com.

 What was the first show you attended?
Fist Her Face 55 and Punch Drunk Monkeys on Halloween when I was in sixth grade. I was so jacked up and hyper after the show I toilet papered my own front yard.

 What was the first record you bought?
Green Day\'s Dookie. The first tape I ever got was the Harlem Globetrotters Mixtape.

 What was the best event you ever attended?
Crue Fest. Everyone who was not Motley Crue sucked.

 Who would you most like to meet from a SLUG cover?
Either Slayer or Henry Rollins.